Method, devices and systems for sensor with removable nodes

ABSTRACT

An integrated adhesive sensor array includes an adhesive a patch, a sensor hub, and a detachable sensor pod packaged as a unit. The patch may include a docking area for the detachable sensor pod. The detachable sensor pod may include at least one sensor and may be configured to be detached from the patch and applied to various locations on a body. The detachable sensor pod may send sensor data to the sensor hub via a wired link when on the patch and via a wireless link when detached from the patch. The sensor hub receives sensor data from the detachable sensor pod and relays the data to a receiver. The sensor hub and detachable sensor pod may include indicators for communicating information. The sensor hub may include a power source for powering the sensor hub and a detachable sensor pod attached to the main sensor unit or patch.

BACKGROUND

Adhesive “peel off” sensors are becoming popular for biometric andbiomedical monitoring. In examples, a wireless adhesive sensor may beapplied to a body portion of a patient and may measure various biometricquantities. While wireless sensors provide some degree of convenience,challenges remain.

Challenges in implementing wearable sensors include reliability,connection quality, data security, integrity and fault tolerance,integration of diverse sensor technology, managing delay of real-timemeasurements, comfort, longevity and other challenges. In view of thesechallenges, disadvantages for existing sensors and sensor networks arenumerous. Existing wireless sensors may be large, have limitedlongevity, limited battery life, and may not monitor all of the desiredparameters. As adhesive sensors may be uncomfortable for the wearer, alarge sensor size may be a disadvantage. Further, multiple large sensorsmay become cumbersome for the wearer. For monitoring multiple biometricquantities, different disparate sensors may be required for eachquantity, with each sensor being responsible for establishing andmaintaining secure and reliable communications with an external server.Moreover, sensors for biometric quantities may require sourcing fromdifferent vendors. As a result, separate network support for thedifferent sensors may be required raising costs and complexity.

SUMMARY

Various embodiments provide methods and devices directed to measuringone or more physical or physiological parameters of a body. Anembodiment device may include a patch, a sensor hub coupled to thepatch, and at least one detachable sensor pod detachably coupled to thepatch. In some embodiments, a plurality of detachable sensor pods may becoupled to the patch. The patch may include a flexible adhesivesubstrate and a flexible layer integrated with the flexible adhesivesubstrate. The flexible layer may support the sensor hub and sensor hubwiring coupled to the sensor hub. The patch may further include at leastone docking area where the detachable sensor pod may be detachablycoupled. In some embodiments, a plurality of docking areas may beprovided to accommodate the detachable sensor pod. The docking area,which may be an adhesive docking area, may include a connector coupledto the sensor hub wiring. The sensor hub may include a wirelesstransceiver, a first energy storage element, and a processor coupled tothe wireless transceiver, the sensor hub wiring, and the first energystorage element. The processor may be configured withprocessor-executable instructions to perform operations that may includeestablishing a first wireless communication link with a receiver whenthe sensor hub is within range of the receiver.

In various embodiments, the detachable sensor pod may include a sensor,a second energy storage element, and a transmitter coupled to the sensorand the second energy storage element. The detachable sensor pod may beconfigured to be coupled to and be powered by the sensor hub through anelectrical connection on the patch when the detachable sensor pod isattached to the docking area. The detachable sensor pod may transmitsensor data to the sensor hub via a second wireless communication linkestablished between the detachable sensor pod transmitter and the sensorhub wireless transceiver when the detachable sensor pod is detached froma docking area.

In further embodiments, the sensor hub may further include a firstindicator coupled to the processor, and the processor may be configuredwith processor-executable instructions to perform operations includingproviding a first indication on the first indicator when the firstwireless communication link is established with a receiver. Theprocessor may be configured with processor-executable instructions toperform operations that may further include providing a secondindication on the first indicator regarding proper placement of thedetachable sensor pod on a body when the detachable sensor pod isdetached from a docking area, such as a first version (e.g., green) ofthe second indication when a placement criterion is satisfied and asecond version (e.g., red) of the second indication when the placementcriterion is not satisfied.

In further embodiments, the docking area may be disposed on a protrusionof the flexible substrate and the flexible integrated layer, and theprotrusion(s) may be configured to enable the integrated sensor array tobe affixed to a surface having an irregular contour. In someembodiments, a plurality of protrusions may be provided on the patch asdocking areas to accommodate a plurality of sensor pods. The protrusionmay be further configured to distribute a force generated by removingthe detachable sensor pod from the docking areas in order to resisttearing.

In an embodiment, a processor on the detachable sensor pod may beconfigured with processor-executable instructions to perform operationssuch that the second indication regarding proper placement of thedetachable sensor pod on a body is determined by comparing signals fromthe sensor to a threshold value of acceptable sensor signals, andgenerating the second indication when the sensor signals satisfy thethreshold value based on the comparison. In another embodiment, thedetachable sensor pod may further include a second indicator and aprocessor configured with processor-executable instructions to performoperations to provide a third indication via the second indicatorregarding proper placement of the detachable sensor pod on a body bydetermining a current location of the detachable sensor pod with respectto the body, comparing the current location of the detachable sensor podwith respect to the body to a proper placement location for thedetachable sensor pod, and providing the third indication via the secondindicator based on whether the current location of the detachable sensorpod compares favorably to the proper placement location for thedetachable sensor pod.

An embodiment method of measuring a physical or physiological parameterusing an integrated adhesive sensor array including a sensor hub and adetachable sensor pod may include establishing a first communicationlink between the sensor hub and a wireless receiver, attaching theintegrated adhesive sensor array to a body, establishing a secondcommunication link between the detachable sensor pod and the sensor hub,sensing a physical or physiological parameter by the detachable sensorpod, and transmitting sensor data of the physical or physiologicalparameter from the detachable sensor pod to the sensor hub via thesecond communication link. An embodiment method may further includetransmitting the sensor data from the sensor hub to the receiver via thefirst communication link. An embodiment method may further includegenerating a first indication indicating establishment of the firstwireless connection between the sensor hub and the wireless receiver. Inan embodiment, the second communication link may be a wiredcommunication link when the detachable sensor pod is attached to theintegrated adhesive sensor array, or a wireless communication linkestablished between the detachable sensor pod and the sensor hub inresponse to the detachable sensor pod being removed from the integratedadhesive sensor array.

A further embodiment method may include determining whether a positionof the detachable sensor pod on the body is proper for measuring thephysical or physiological parameter when the detachable sensor pod isremoved from the integrated adhesive sensor array, and generating asecond indication indicating whether the position of the detachablesensor pod on the body is proper. In an embodiment method, determiningwhether a position of the detachable sensor pod on the body is properfor measuring the physical or physiological parameter may includecomparing signals from a sensor on the detachable sensor pod to athreshold value of acceptable sensor signals and determining that theposition is proper in response to the sensor signals satisfying thethreshold value based on the comparison. In an embodiment method,determining whether a position of the detachable sensor pod on the bodyis proper for measuring the physical or physiological parameter mayinclude determining a current location of the detachable sensor pod withrespect to the body, comparing the current location of the detachablesensor pod with respect to the body to a proper placement location forthe detachable sensor pod, and determining that the position is properin response to the current location of the detachable sensor podcomparing favorably to the proper placement location for the detachablesensor pod.

In various embodiments, the first indication, the second indication andthe third indication may be one or more of a color display indication,an audible indication, and an alphanumeric display indication.

Further embodiments include an apparatus for measuring a physical orphysiological parameter having means for performing functions of themethods described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitutepart of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of theinvention, and together with the general description given above and thedetailed description given below, serve to explain the features of theinvention.

FIG. 1A is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment integratedadhesive sensor array including a central hub and removable sensornodes.

FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating an embodiment integrated adhesivesensor array including a central hub and removable sensor nodes and aremoved node.

FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating an embodiment sensor pairing with amobile computing device and providing an indication.

FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating an embodiment removable sensor removedfrom main sensor unit or patch, paired with a hub, positioned on a bodyand providing an indication.

FIG. 2C is a communication system diagram illustrating an embodimentsystem suitable for implementing a sensor with removable sensor nodes,including mobile computing devices, a personal network, a public network(e.g., Internet), and a private network (e.g., medical network).

FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating removal of a removable sensor nodefrom an embodiment sensor main body.

FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating the force distribution paths ofremoval forces for removing an embodiment removable sensor node.

FIG. 3C-FIG. 3G are diagrams illustrating alternative embodiments ofremovable node sensors.

FIG. 4A is a component block diagram illustrating example wireless andwired interconnections of a sensor with removable sensor nodes and areceiver for a sense-in-place configuration.

FIG. 4B is a component block diagram illustrating example wireless andwired interconnections of a sensor with removable sensor nodes and areceiver for a configuration in which a removable node is removed.

FIG. 4C is a component block diagram of an embodiment sensor node.

FIG. 4D is a component block diagram of an embodiment sensor hub.

FIG. 5 is a process flow diagram illustrating an embodiment method ofsensing quantities with sensor nodes on a sensor hub or removed andpositioned.

FIG. 6 is a component block diagram illustrating an example mobiledevice suitable for use with the various embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example computing device suitablefor use with the various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The various embodiments will be described in detail with reference tothe accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numberswill be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.References made to particular examples and implementations are forillustrative purposes, and are not intended to limit the scope of theinvention or the claims.

The terms “device,” “computing device,” “mobile computing device,” asused herein, may refer to any one or all of cellular telephones,smartphones, personal or mobile multi-media players, personal dataassistants (PDA's), laptop computers, desktop computers, tabletcomputers, smart books, palm-top computers, wireless electronic mailreceivers, multimedia Internet enabled cellular telephones, televisions,smart TVs, smart TV set-top buddy boxes, integrated smart TVs, streamingmedia players, smart cable boxes, set-top boxes, digital video recorders(DVR), digital media players, and similar personal electronic deviceswhich include a programmable processor.

The term “access point” as used herein refers to any of network wirelessaccess points, wireless routers, wireless access point repeaters,wireless access point range extenders, bridges, combinations of thesedevice or other devices, which may provide access for a client device toa network operating according to a wireless protocol, such as a WiFiprotocol (e.g. under various versions of the 802.11 protocol) or otherprotocol. Access points are described herein as being wireless, andproviding wireless access to a local area network (LAN), a wireless LAN(WLAN), such as a home or private local area network. However, theaccess points may further have the ability to support wired connectionsand may be coupled through a wired connection to a service provider, forproviding further access to private networks, a public network such asthe Internet, or a combination of public and private networks, includingmedical service provider networks and other related networks.

As used herein, the term “sensor” refers to a device that senses ormeasures one or more detectable physical phenomena or quantities andgenerates a signal indicative of a measurement or sensed state,condition or quantity. The signals generated by a sensor may beprocessed to measure the one or more detectable physical quantitiesbased on a correlation between the signal and the underlying physicalquantity. Non-limiting examples of sensors include temperature sensors,pulse sensors, electric field sensors (e.g., electroencephalographsensors), moisture sensors, liquid flow sensors, magnetic sensors,piezoelectric sensors, pressure sensors, optical sensors, chemicalsensors (e.g., blood glucose sensors), and other bio-medical sensors.

As used herein, the term “energy harvesting” refers to mechanisms thatconvert energy from a variety of energy sources into a form that can beused to power an electrical circuit, such as to power sensor operations.Non-limiting examples of energy sources that may be utilized by energyharvesting elements include patient movements, heat (e.g., thedifference in temperature between the patient's skin and air), ambientlight (e.g., via a photocell). As described below, Energy generated byan energy harvesting device may be used to power sensor circuits andother sensor components, such as transmitters or transceivers fortransmitting information to and receiving information from a monitoringdevice, or other device that is associated with the sensor.

The various embodiments overcome the drawbacks of proposed wirelessadhesive biomedical sensors by providing an integrated adhesive sensorarray having a central hub with one or more removable (e.g., peel off orotherwise detachable) sensor nodes or pods attached to the main adhesivesensor patch. The detachable sensor pods may be configured to sensequantities in their original “docked” position on the main adhesivesensor base with the sensor hub unit, communicating with the sensor hubthrough a wired electrical connection to the sensor hub. One or more ofthe detachable sensor pods may also be removed and placed in specificlocations on a body, such as the body of a human or animal patient,associated with the measured physical quantities (e.g., temperature,pulse rate, B/P, electrical fields, etc.). By placing the detachablesensor pods in specific locations on a body, improved or enhancedmeasurements of the physical parameters of the body, such as a patient'sphysical or physiological quantities may be obtained. In variousembodiments, some or all of the detachable sensor pods may be configuredto be adaptable for measuring different quantities, or the detachablesensor pods may be configured to measure specific physical parameters orquantities.

As used herein, the term “sensor hub” refers to a portion of theintegrated adhesive sensor array that receives information from (andoptionally transmits information to) detachable sensor pods from thearray and may serve as a communication relay to receiver devices or anaccess point. The sensor hub may communicate with a receiver or accesspoint by wired or wireless communication links transfer informationincluding sensor data obtained from detachable sensor pods. A sensor hubmay also receive information from the receiver. The sensor hub may alsofunction as a sensor. As used herein, the term “detachable sensor pod”refers to a sensor unit that may be detachably coupled to the integratedadhesive sensor array. A detachable sensor pod may be configured tosense one or more quantities and communicate information associated withthe sensed quantity or quantities to a sensor hub through a wired orwireless connection.

A receiver that receives data from the sensor hub may be a mobilecomputing device, an access point, or other computing device configuredwith suitable wireless communication circuitry.

In the various embodiments, the detachable sensor pods may establish awireless communication link with the sensor hub when removed from theintegrated adhesive sensor array. The detachable sensor pods may beconfigured to communicate sensor data to the sensor hub via a wiredconnection while attached to the main patch that includes the sensorhub, and via a wireless link when detached from the main patch andplaced on the body.

The sensor hub may provide an indication through an indicator, such as alight emitting diode (LED) or other visual indicator, or an audibleindicator. Such a display or indication state of the sensor hub may beused provide a confirmation that the sensor hub is successfully pairedwith a receiver and/or is properly positioned on and attached to thebody to obtain reliable sensor readings. Indication states of the sensorhub indicator, possibly together with the detachable sensor podindicators, may also provide confirmation that the sensor hub isreceiving sensor data from a peeled-off, removed or detached, andrepositioned detachable sensor pod.

In various embodiments, the detachable sensor pods may also include astatus indicator, such as an LED or color changing element. Such astatus indicator may provide indications that enable a user to configureand place detachable sensor pods, such as to indicate proper placementof the detachable sensor pods on a body. For example, if a particulardetachable sensor pod is configured for measuring a patient's heartbeat, removal and placement of the detachable sensor pod in aparticularly optimum position for measuring heart beat may be confirmedby way of the sensor hub indicator. For example, a heartbeat detachablesensor pod may illuminate an LED or change color when heart beats arebeing detected. In some embodiments, a detachable sensor pod indicatormay provide further feedback and confirmation to a user regardingplacement of the detachable sensor pod.

In an embodiment, a main sensor unit (also referred to herein as themain patch) may be initially configured with detachable sensor pods inthe docked position in which the detachable sensor pods are attached tothe main patch of the integrated adhesive sensor array. The detachablesensor pods may be configured to be removed, peeled off, or detachedfrom the main sensor unit rather than the skin of a body, such as apatient or wearer, or other delicate surface. By configuring detachablesensor pods to be peeled off or detached from the main sensor unit,potential discomfort or skin or surface tearing may be avoided. Tearingof the patch itself or components thereof may also be avoided. The mainsensor unit or patch may include a central communications sensor hubwith wired electrical connections to the detachable sensor pods, a powersource, a memory and processing capability such as a controller orprocessor. The sensor hub may communicate wirelessly with the detachablesensor pods when the detachable sensor pods are removed from the mainsensor unit. Thus, the integrated sensor assembly and/or sensor hub mayinclude a radio module to communicate data between the sensor hub andeither a mobile device or a fixed wireless access point, such as Wi-Fi.

Each of the detachable sensor pods may also include a power source orpower storage element (e.g., a battery), a memory, a processor, and aradio module. The radio modules of the detachable sensor pods may beused when the detachable sensor pods are detached to communicate sensordata to the sensor hub radio module.

The main sensor unit or patch may include an adhesive substrate, such asa ring or circular portion of adhesive may be affixed to a bottomsurface of the main sensor unit. The adhesive portion may securelyattach the main sensor unit to a body, such as the skin of a patient orwearer, or other surface.

The shape of the main sensor unit may include multiple projections thataccommodate the detachable sensor pods and allow the main sensor unit tobe attached to flat surfaces, or to surfaces having irregular shapes andcontours, such as those corresponding to various body parts of thepatient or to an object that may ordinarily present attachmentdifficulties. By “irregular shape” or “contour” reference may be made tosurfaces that are generally not flat, which may include curved orirregular surfaces associated with a body or an object. The multipleprojections may further minimize wrinkling or binding when the sensorunit is attached.

The main sensor unit may include a grab point such that the main unitmay be easily removed. Each of the detachable sensor pods may include aprojecting tab or grab point configured for easy removal or detachmentof the detachable sensor pod. The detachable sensor pod and the shape ofthe main sensor unit may be configured to distribute pulling forcesthroughout the device so as to avoid tearing of the main patch whenremoving the detachable sensor pods by the projecting tab. In someembodiments, the detachable sensor pod may be re-attached after removalor detachment.

In various embodiments, each of the detachable sensor pods may beconfigured to measure different physical or physiological parameters,such as temperature, blood pressure, electrophysiology signals (e.g.,electrocardiogram (EKG) and electroencephalogram signals), musclemovements, blood oxygenation level, and other physical or physiologicalparameters. In other embodiments, some or all of the detachable sensorpods may be configured to measure the same physical or physiologicalparameters. In some instances placement of multiple detachable sensorpods configured for the same measurement quantity (e.g., EKG) inspecific locations may improve the quality of the sensor reading. Someor all of the detachable sensor pods may remain docked to the mainsensor unit or patch section and the detachable sensor pods may functionto provide readings to the sensor hub through wired connections througha contact or connector. The sensor hub may provide a power connection tothe detachable sensor pods through the contact or connector.

Some or all of the detachable sensor pods may be detached or peeled awayfrom the main patch and placed on a specific part of the body. When thedetachable sensor pods are detached from the main sensor unit or patchand connector, a radio module may be activated along with a local powersource or storage element for the detachable sensor pod. The detachablesensor pod may pair with the sensor hub and an indication on either orboth of the detachable sensor pod or sensor hub may be provided toconfirm successful pairing. A further indication may be provided whenthe detachable sensor pod is placed in an optimum position on the body.The further indication may also be provide when the detachable sensorpod is placed at least in a position to obtain a sufficient measurementassociated with the designated physical or physiological parameter.

As discussed above, wireless communications may be activated between adetachable sensor pod and the sensor hub when a detachable sensor pod isdetached from the main sensor unit or patch. In an embodiment,detachable sensor pods may be re-attached to the main sensor unit orpatch which may electrically connect them to the sensor hub through anelectrically conductive contact or connector. When the detachable sensorpod is electrically connected to the sensor hub through the connector, awireless communication link to the sensor hub may be discontinued infavor of a low-power wired communication link. In further embodiments,the detachable sensor pods may communicate wirelessly with the sensorhub even when docked on the same adhesive substrate.

A detachable sensor pod may be connected (or reconnected) to the mainsensor unit or patch and may be powered by a power supply or powersource associated with the sensor hub, which may include recharging abattery within the detachable sensor pod if powered by a rechargeablebattery. Alternatively, the detachable sensor pod may be powered by itsown power source, such as a battery, an energy harvesting element (e.g.,a photocell), or other energy storage device. In some embodiments, oneor more of the sensor hub and detachable sensor pods may be poweredthrough an energy harvesting or self charging mechanism.

As mentioned above, an indicator on the sensor hub and/or the detachablesensor pods may display an indication or confirmation of a pairing andplacement state of the sensor hub and the detachable sensor pods. Thedisplay may be a simple display, such as a two color display. In anembodiment, colors may be formed through an electrochemical reactionmechanism, an electroluminescence mechanism, a plasma display mechanism,an INDIGLO® plasma display mechanism, an LED array, flexible display, orother display mechanism. The display may further be configured toprovide an alphanumeric display, or a combination of alphanumeric andcolor display. The display may further alternatively, or in addition to,provide an audible output, audible indication, or audible “display.” Theaudible indication may include a beep, a buzz, a click, or other audibleindication or series of audible indications. The indication may betactile including a vibration or series of vibrations.

As an example, when the main sensor unit may be paired and activatedwhen the main sensor unit is brought near a mobile computing device oraccess point configured to act as a receiver of sensor data, in responseto which the indicator can change from one color to another. For examplethe indicator could change from red indicating that no connection hasbeen established to green to indicate that the sensor hub and the mobilecommunication device are successfully paired. Alternatively, analphanumeric indication may display a word, code, or message indicatingsuccessful pairing or placement.

In some embodiments, the sensor hub and/or detachable sensor pods maynot be provided with indicators. Rather, a receiver device, such as asmartphone, may be configured with an application that interfaces withthe sensor and presents a display of information on the receiver'sdisplay regarding a quality of the communication link, quality of sensordata being received, an indication of whether a sensor is properlyplaced on the body, and other indications as described herein. Theindications provided by the receiver device may include indications thatthe sensor hub is paired with the receiver and/or that the sensor hub ispaired with the detachable sensor pods. The indications provided by thereceiver device may further provide feedback regarding favorable oradequate placement of the sensor and/or the detachable sensor pods. Forexample, the indications presented on the receiver device display mayinclude different colors or indications when the sensor is placed in asuitable location on a patient's body compared to when it is positionedover an improper or unsuitable location on the body. The indicationspresented on the receiver device display may include indications thatprovide feedback for the placement of the detachable sensor pods whenthe detachable sensor pods are detached from docking stations and placedin specific locations.

The indicator or indicators on the sensor hub and detachable sensor podsmay be activated by processors configured to assess the appropriatenessof the location on and connection to the body. To accomplish this, theprocessors may receive information regarding the positioning of thesensor hub or detachable sensor pod with respect to the body, such assignals from a wireless coordinate reference system, or sample signalsfrom sensor(s) to confirm that suitable sensor signals are beingreceived. In embodiments that use information from a body coordinatereference system, the processor in the sensor hub or detachable sensorpod may compare its determined coordinates with respect to the body to adatabase of coordinates appropriate for placement of the sensor. Forexample, when the main sensor unit or patch is held over different partsof the body, the indicator may provide an indication, such as a red orgreen indication, when the position of the sensor unit would result inan incorrect placement to sense the physical or physiological parametersmeasured by the sensor (i.e., sensor hub or detachable sensor pod). Inother embodiments, the processor may sample sensor data as it is appliedthe body, compare the sensor data to various acceptability thresholds(e.g., magnitude of the sensed physical or physiological parameter,noise level, or sensor data pattern) and provide an acceptableindication, such as a green color or light, when the sensor datasatisfies such thresholds, and provide an unacceptable indication, suchas a red color or light, when the sensor data does not satisfy suchthresholds. This feedback indicator may assist a clinician in theplacement of the sensor hub and/or detachable sensor pods. Suchindicators may be included on both the sensor hub and the detachablesensor pods, and may function independently regarding each sensor'sposition on the body.

In an embodiment, an indicator may be configured to provide an audibleindication of acceptability or alert when the sensor position isincorrect, the sensor is not detecting physical or physiologicalparameter(s) or a data connection is not available.

In a further embodiment, the sensor hub may include display configure topresent sensor data in a user-readable manner, such as a numerical valuefor the measured physical or physiological parameter (e.g. temperatureor heart rate) or a message indicating that an action is required of theclinician. For example, a displayed message may indicate that theclinician should replace the sensor hub (e.g., the battery is low or acomponent is malfunctioning), administer a medication, or referring to amedical application, such as may be executing on a mobile device of theuser, for further instructions.

An embodiment of an integrated adhesive sensor array 100 is illustratedin FIG. 1A. In the illustrated embodiment, the integrated adhesivesensor array 100 may include a main sensor unit or patch 110 on whichare positioned in sensor hub 130 and the plurality of sensor hubs 120.The main sensor unit or patch 110 may have a foundation or substratelayer 110 a and an adhesive layer 110 b configured to adhere the mainsensor unit or patch 110 to a body. The substrate layer 110 a may beconstructed of a material having a degree of flexibility depending onthe application. The degree of flexibility may balance ease ofapplication of the main sensor unit or patch 110 to curved bodycontours, while maintaining the ability to provide structural support.The main body may accommodate a plurality of detachable sensor pods 120,which may also have a degree of flexibility so as to be capable of beingeasily removed from the main sensor unit or patch 110 and placed on andremoved from curved contours of a body. The relative flexibilities ofthe main sensor unit or patch 110 and the detachable sensor pods 120 maybe configured such that when the main sensor unit or patch 110 is flexedto be applied to curved body contours, or to objects, the detachablesensor pods 120 may flex in a corresponding manner.

The adhesive layer 110 b of the main sensor unit or patch 110 may beconstructed as a separate layer that includes adhesive or as an adhesivelayer applied to the substrate layer 110 a.

The detachable sensor pods 120 may also have a substrate layer 120 a onwhich an adhesive or an adhesive layer 120 b may be constructed. Theadhesive layer 120 b on the substrate layer 120 a of the detachablesensor pods 120 may be attachable to a docking area on the main sensorunit or patch 110 that may or may not also have adhesive. Alternatively,the detachable sensor pods 120 may have a film (not shown) covering andprotecting the adhesive layer 120 b until the detachable sensor pod 120is attached. Such a protective film may be attachable to an adhesivethat is present in the docking area. Alternatively, the film itself mayhave an adhesive that attaches to the docking area of the main sensorunit or patch 110. When the film is removed, the adhesive on the sensorpods 120 may be used to attach to the surface of the body, such as theskin of the patient.

As described above, each of the detachable sensor pods 120 may beconfigured to be removed from the main sensor unit or patch 110 andapplied to another portion of the body. FIG. 1B illustrates one of thedetachable sensor pods 120 removed from the main sensor unit or patch110, with a wireless communication link 123 established to the sensorhub 130. The detachable sensor pods 120 may be configured with one ormore electrical connectors 121 a on the bottom surface of the adhesivelayer 120 b that interface with the one or more electrical connectors121 b on the top surface of the substrate layer 110 a when thedetachable sensor pod 120 is attached to a docking area 120 c on themain sensor unit or patch 110. Such electrical connectors 121 a may beindividual contact strips, pads or pins. The electrical connectors 121 amay be flexible or at least may be configured to be compatible withflexion during removal and application of the detachable sensor pod 120from a docking area 120 c of the main sensor unit or patch 110. Thedocking area 120 c for the detachable sensor pod 120 may be configuredwith corresponding electrical connectors 121 b that mate with thedetachable sensor pod electrical connectors 121 a for providing directelectrical contact to the sensor hub 130. Such electrical connectors mayprovide power to sensors within the detachable sensor pod 120 as well asa wired communication link for transmitting sensor data from thedetachable sensor pod to the sensor hub 130.

When the detachable sensor pod 120 is coupled to the docking area 120 con the main sensor unit or patch 110, sensor data from an integratedsensor may be communicated to the sensor hub 130 via the electricalconnectors 121 a, 121 b. When the detachable sensor pod 120 is removedfrom the docking area 120 c of the main sensor unit or patch 110, awireless communication link 123 may be established between a radiomodule within the detachable sensor pod 120 and a radio module of thesensor hub 130.

The docking area 120 c of the main sensor unit or patch 110 may becoupled to the sensor hub 130, or to an area accommodating the sensorhub 130 with an arm 124. The arm 124 may be a reinforced area thatextends from a central area of the main sensor unit or patch 110 to thedocking area 120 c of all the detachable sensor pods 120. The arm 124may provide strength to the main sensor unit or patch 110 and the sensorassembly including the detachable sensor pods 120. Reinforcementprovided by the arm 124 may be useful during placement of the mainsensor unit or patch, detachment of the detachable sensor pods 120,manipulation of the detachable sensor pods 120 or other movements of thesensor, such as body movements when the sensor is in place.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the sensor hub 130 may include anindicator 132, such as a light emitting diode (LED) or color changingdisplay material that is configured to provide an indication ofoperation of the sensor assembly, such as communication pairing with thedetachable sensor pod 120, correct positioning on a body, and/orsuccessful reception of appropriate physical or physiological sensordata. Similarly, the detachable sensor pods 120 may also be providedwith an indicator 122 (e.g., an LED or color changing display) forproviding various indications regarding the status of the detachablesensor pod 120, including the connection status, the pairing status, thesensing status or proper location on the body.

In some embodiments, the main sensor unit or patch 110 may be used in anapplication not associated with placement of the main sensor unit orpatch 110 including the sensor hub 130 and/or detachable sensor pods 120on a body or object. Instead, the main sensor unit 110, or one or moreof the detachable sensor pods 120 and the sensor hub 130 may be used ina proximity application where the sensor is placed not on a body butnear a quantity to be sensed. The main sensor unit 110, or one or moreof the detachable sensor pods 120 and the sensor hub may be used in anapplication where the one or more of the components, such as thedetachable sensor pods 120, are placed directly into a quantityrequiring sensing. Once example may include periodically monitoring of apatient-related quantity that does not involve placement of the sensoron a body or object. For example, periodic monitoring may be conductedby removing or “peeling off” one of the detachable sensor pods 120 andplacing the detached sensor pod 120 into a urine stream or into anotherenvironment where sensing of one or more quantities may take place. Thedetachable sensor pod 120 may then report the values to the sensor hub130 which may store the sensor values and communicated to a receiverdevice. The detachable sensor pod 120 may then be disposed of. When thepatient is required to take another reading at a later time, another oneof the detachable sensor pods 120 may be peeled off and used for thenext monitoring or sensing activity.

Further applications may include “throw” applications, where the mainsensor unit or patch 110, or a detached sensor pod 120 is thrown into alocation, to detect aspects of the location such as temperature, light,the presence of a gas, or other aspect or quantity. The above examplesare intended to be non-exhaustive and non-limiting, as many otherapplications of the various embodiments are possible.

In an embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the sensor hubindicator 132 and/or detachable sensor pod indicator 122 may be formedon a top surface of the sensor hub and detachable sensor pod,respectively. Thus, the entire top surface of the sensor hub and/ordetachable sensor pods may be an indicator that changes color toindicate status or state as described herein.

FIG. 2A also illustrates an example of establishing a communication linkbetween an integrated adhesive sensor array 100 and a mobile computingdevice 240 for communicating sensor data. In use, the main sensor unitor patch 110 with detachable sensor pods 120 in place and a sensor hub130 may be activated, or at least activated for the purposes ofestablishing the communication link (“pairing”), by activating orenergizing at least the sensor hub 130. When the sensor hub 130 isactivated, a radio signal 241 a may be transmitted from the sensor hub130. The radio signal 241 a may be in the form of a pairing requestpacket according to a communication protocol, such as a probe-likesignal, a connection request signal, a Bluetooth advertising packet, orother pairing-related signal.

When the integrated adhesive sensor array 100 and a mobile computingdevice 240 are not within communication range, the radio signal 241 amay not be received and pairing may not occur. Before pairing hasoccurred, the indicator 132 on the sensor hub may display a first coloror indication 132 a, indicating that a communication link is not yetbeen established.

When the sensor is moved (243) into communication range of the mobilecomputing device 240, the radio signal 241 b may be received by themobile computing device 204 and pairing may take place. When pairingtakes place between the sensor hub 120 and the mobile computing device240, a display 242 of the mobile computing device 240 may provide anindication of the pairing, for example, by displaying a “Paired”message. Also, the indicator 132 of the sensor hub 130 may provide anindication 132 b to indicate that pairing has occurred, such as achanging color (as illustrated by the change in hashing in FIG. 2A).

In a further example illustrated in FIG. 2B, the detachable sensor pods120 may also be configured with indicators 122 to provide an indicationof a status of communication pairing between the detachable sensor pods120 and the sensor hub 130. The main sensor unit or patch 110, alongwith the detachable sensor pods 120 and the sensor hub 130 may be placedon a patient 210 at a placement location 211 a. The placement location211 a may be in an area that is suitable for the placement of the mainsensor unit or patch 110 based on various medical and physical orphysiological considerations. For example, the placement location 211 amay a location suitable for measuring a particular physical orphysiological or biomedical parameter (e.g., pulse, blood pressure, EKGelectrical fields, etc.). The placement of the main sensor unit or patch110 may also depend on other considerations such as proximity to areceiver device (e.g., a mobile computing device 240) or system withwhich the integrated adhesive sensor array 100 may communicate sensordata.

When the detachable sensor pods 120 are in place on the main sensor unitor patch 110 and electrically coupled to the sensor hub 130, anindicator 122 may provide an indication 122 a of the status of thedetachable sensor pods 120. The status could be indicated as, forexample, connected to the sensor hub and operational. The indicationcould be a color-coded indication that specifically indicates a specificstatus based on the color. Alternatively, the indication could be anumerical or alphanumerical indication that indicates a status code, asensor reading value, an alphanumeric indication of the sensor status orother indication.

When a detachable sensor pod 120 is removed from the integrated adhesivesensor array 100 and the electrical contact between the electricalconnectors 121 a and 121 b is interrupted, a radio signal 123 may betransmitted from a radio module or transmitter (or transceiver) on thedetachable sensor pod 120. The radio signal 123 may be configured toestablish a wireless communication link with the sensor hub 130, whichmay be equipped with its own radio module or receiver for receiving thesignal 123. The sensor hub 130 may radio module may be a transceiverthat is configured to also transmit data or commands to the detachablesensor pod 120, provided the detachable sensor pod 120 is equipped witha receiver (or transceiver). When the detachable sensor pod 120 isremoved and a wireless communication link is established with the sensorhub 130, the detachable sensor pod indicator 122 may provide a differentindication 122 b. The indication 122 b (such as a picture color) mayindicate that the sensor has paired with the sensor hub, otherindications.

A removed detachable sensor pod 120 may be placed in a placementlocation 211 b of the patient, such as an area where a specific physicalor physiological parameter associated with the sensor may be measured orsensed. Since the suitability of the placement location 211 b mayparticular physical or physiological parameter being measured by thedetachable sensor pod 120, the indication 122 b may also oralternatively be used to provide feedback to the clinician regarding theproper placement of the detachable sensor pod 120. In variousembodiments, the detachable sensor pod indication 122 b may be providedtogether with the sensor hub indication 132 b on the sensor hub 130 toprovide feedback regarding the placement of the detachable sensor pod120.

When data communications are established between the detachable sensorpods 120 and the sensor hub 130 and between the sensor hub 130 and amobile communication device 240, the integrated adhesive sensor array100 may form a part of a medical or physical or physiological monitoringsystem. An example embodiment system or communication system 202 inwhich the integrated adhesive sensor array 100 may be used isillustrated in FIG. 2C. As discussed above, an integrated adhesivesensor array 100, including a sensor main body 110, a plurality ofdetachable sensor pods 120, a sensor hub 130, may be attached to a body,such as a patient or wearer. One or more of the detachable sensor pods120 may be removed from the sensor main unit or patch 110 and placed invarious locations on the body, such as the body of the patient orwearer. In various embodiments, the detachable sensor pods 120 maycommunicate with the sensor hub 130 through a wireless communicationlink 123 or a wired communication link via the electrical connectors 121a and 121 b as described above.

The sensor hub 130 may be paired with a mobile communication device 240a through a wireless communication link 241 a. The mobile communicationdevice 240 a may be in communication with a receiver 250 through awireless communication link 242 a. The wireless communication link 242 amay be established through an antenna 251 coupled to the receiver 250,which may be a wireless access point or other receiving device. Thereceiver 250 may further be coupled to a computing device 252 through aconnection 250 a and to a network 102 through another data connection250 b. The computing device 252 may be coupled to a storage device 253through a data connection 252 a. The storage device 253 may be anexternal or internal storage device, such as a mass storage device ormemory device. The storage device 253 may be used to store accumulatedinformation, such as data readings from the sensor, including thedetachable sensor pods 120. The storage device 253 may further storeother information, such as patient or wearer information, medicalcondition and/or procedure information, or other information. In analternative embodiment, the sensor hub 130 may communicate directly withthe receiver 150 through a wireless communication link 241 c to theantenna 151 of the receiver 250.

When a connection to a network 102 is present, the computing device 252may connect, for example, with a medical system through servers 270. Themedical system may use it sensor data received by the communicationsystem 202 from the integrated adhesive sensor array 100 to enableremote monitoring of the body by allowing readings from the sensors tobe transmitted in real-time. The communication system 202 may furtherenable a caregiver to monitor patient data and provide a remotediagnosis. The patient and medical information stored in the storagedevice 253 may be forwarded to a medical system for collection andstorage, such as for record keeping and analysis. The sensor readingsmay be used to automatically trigger alerts in the medical system whencertain conditions arise. In such a case the indicators on the sensorhub 130 and the detachable sensor pods 120 may be activated to providealert indications.

In various embodiments, the sensor may be coupled to a mobile computingdevice 240 b that may provide communications with the medical systemservers 270 through a cellular connection to the network 102. The sensorhub 130 may establish a connection 241 b with the mobile computingdevice 240 b. The mobile computing device 240 b may be coupled tocellular network through a connection 242 b to a wireless infrastructurecomponent 260, such as an antenna of a cellular base station. Thewireless infrastructure component 260 may be coupled to the network 102through a connection 260 a. The network 102 may be representative of anetwork or combination of networks that provide communications and datatransfer between various network elements or nodes. The network 102 mayinclude a public network, private network, or combination of public andprivate networks. The network 102 may also include a public switchedtelephone network capable of carrying voice and data traffic. The mobilecomputing device 240 b may connect to the medical system servers 270 toprovide readings from the sensors directly to the medical system. Thesensor readings may be analyzed, recorded, stored in storage devices(not shown) associated with the servers 270 and/or the medical system.

In various embodiments, the integrated adhesive sensor array 100 may beconfigured to be flexible and resilient so that placement of the mainsensor unit or patch 110 and removal (and replacement) of the detachablesensor pods 120 does not damage the sensor. FIG. 3A illustrates anexample of how the integrated adhesive sensor array 100 may beconfigured so that the detachable sensor pods 120 may be removed whilereducing the possibility of tearing of the main sensor unit or patch110, the docking areas for the detachable sensor pods 120 and thedetachable sensor pods 120 themselves. The docking area for thedetachable sensor pods 120 may be attached to the main sensor unit orpatch 110 through arms 334. Tearing may be a concern, particularly whenindividual detachable sensor pods are detached. To reduce the chance oftearing, the detachable sensor pods 120 may be provided with a pull tab321. A user 301 may grip the pull tab 321 and apply a removal force 340to the pull tab 321 to remove the detachable sensor pod 120 from themain sensor unit or patch 110 as illustrated in FIG. 3A. The removalforce 340 may be sufficient to overcome the adhesive force supplied bythe adhesive that attaches the detachable sensor pod 120 to the mainsensor unit or patch 110.

In an example illustrated in FIG. 3B, the sensor may be arranged in sucha way that the removal force 340 is distributed to prevent tearing. Thedetachable sensor pods 120 are attached to the main sensor unit or patch110 through the arms 334. The arms 334 may serve to reinforce thedocking area for the detachable sensor pods 120 and may distribute theforce 340. For example, when the detachable sensor pod 120 a is removedby applying the removal force 340, the removal force 340 is distributedto all of the sensor arms 334 as illustrated by the arrows 341.Distribution of the removal force 340 in this manner prevents a localconcentration of the removal force 340 in the area of the detachablesensor pod 120 a to prevent tearing in the area during removal.Torsional or twisting forces may also be developed during the removal ofthe detachable sensor pod 120 a. By providing the arms 334, thetorsional forces may also be distributed depending on the constructionof the arms 334. For example, the arms 334 may be constructed to have adegree of torsional rigidity that resist localized tearing of the sensorbody or components of the sensor body.

While the examples illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3B include five detachablesensor pods 120, the integrated adhesive sensor array 100 may beconfigured to include any number of detachable sensor pods 120, from asingle pod 120 as illustrated in FIG. 3C, to two detachable sensor pods120 illustrated in FIG. 3D, three detachable sensor pods 120 illustratedin FIG. 3E. As shown in FIG. 3F, the number of detachable sensor pods120 may be limited only by the available space on the sensor main body110 and the size of the detachable sensor pods 120. In some embodiments,the sensor may be equipped with a large number of detachable sensor pods120, some or all of which may be used in-place forming a measurementarray that may provide improved accuracy in the measurement of thephysical or physical or physiological parameter.

FIG. 3G illustrates an embodiment integrated adhesive sensor array 100in which the main unit or patch 110 has a star shape with the fivedetachable sensor pods 120 positioned on the points of the star. Thisconfiguration may be advantageous as the star shape enables theintegrated adhesive sensor array 100 to better adhere to rounded partsof a patient's body without buckling.

A components block diagram of an embodiment system 400 of an integratedadhesive sensor array and receiver is shown in FIG. 4A. As in otherexamples, an integrated adhesive sensor array may include one or moresensor pods 120 and a sensor hub 130.

Each of the detachable sensor pods 120 may include an antenna 421, anindicator 422 for providing an indication 422 a, and a connector 423.The indicator 422 may be a visual indicator such as a display. Thedetachable sensor pod indicator 422 may be an audible indicator such asa piezoelectric element. The detachable sensor pod indicator 422 may bea combination of an audible indicator and visual display.

The sensor hub 130 may include an antenna 431, an indicator 432 forproviding an indication 432 a, and a connector 433 that may connect thesensor hub to the connector 423 of the detachable sensor pod 120. Thesensor hub indicator 432 may be a visual indicator such as a display.The sensor hub indicator 432 may be an audible indicator such as apiezoelectric element. The sensor hub indicator 432 may be a combinationof an audible indicator and visual display. The detachable sensor podconnector 423 and the sensor hub connector 433 may be in the form ofelectrical connectors between the detachable sensor pod 120 and thesensor hub 130, such as through contacts as described above andillustrated in FIG. 1B. The detachable sensor pod connector 423 and thesensor hub connector 433 may also include any of a wide variety ofconnector supporting structures (not shown) for housing and facilitatingelectrical connections. The electrical connections between thedetachable sensor pod 120 and the sensor hub 130 may be connections thatprovide power to the detachable sensor pod 120 (e.g., from the sensorhub 130), and provide signal and data connections.

When the integrated adhesive sensor array is within range of a receiver450, a wireless communication link 431 a may be established between thesensor hub 130 and the receiver 450 through an antenna 451. The wirelesscommunication link 431 a may allow the sensor hub 130 to transferinformation to the receiver 450, such as sensor data or readings fromone or more of the detachable sensor pods 120. In various embodiments,the sensor hub 130 may transfer accumulated sensor readings when theintegrated adhesive sensor array comes within communication range of thereceiver, or may begin to transfer real time sensor readings from one ormore of the detachable sensor pods 120 when within communication rangethe sensor hub 130. The sensor readings may be obtained by the sensorhub 130 through the electrical connections provided by the detachablesensor pod connector 423 and the sensor hub connector 433. When awireless communication link 431 a is established with the receiver 450,the indicator 432 may provide the positive indication 432 a or adifferent indication when the sensor hub has successfully paired withthe receiver 450. Each of the detachable sensor pod indicators 422 maybe configured to provide an indication 422 a when they are successfullycommunicating with the sensor hub 130. An indication 422 a may also beprovided when the sensor within the detachable sensor pod 120 is sensingan acceptable or adequate level the physical or physical orphysiological parameter of interest. The indication 422 a may alsoindicate whether the sensor is sensing an optimum level of the physicalor physical or physiological parameter. The optimum level or theadequate level of the physical or physical or physiological parameterfor the detachable sensor pod 120 may be based on information stored inthe sensor hub 130. The optimum level or the adequate level of thephysical or physiological parameter may also be received by the sensorhub 130 from the receiver 450. The receiver 450 may store informationregarding adequate or optimum physical or physiological parameter sensorlevels, as well as other information useful for monitoring the sensorsand evaluating sensor data. The receiver 450 may also obtain informationregarding adequate or optimum sensor levels of physical or physiologicalparameters from a medical system or server associated with a medicalsystem to which the receiver is or is capable of connecting.

A component block diagram of the embodiment system 400 of an integratedadhesive sensor array and receiver is shown in FIG. 4B in which one ofthe detachable sensor pods 120 a has been removed from the fishintegrated adhesive sensor array. When the detachable sensor pod 120 ais removed or peeled away from the sensor hub 130, the electricalcontact between the sensor hub 130 and the detachable sensor pod 120 a,as provided by the detachable sensor pod connector 423 and the sensorhub connector 433, may be interrupted. This interruption in theelectrical connection may cause the detachable sensor pod 120 a to beginto use a local power source (such as a battery) and to activate awireless transmitter or transceiver in the detachable sensor pod 120 a.Activation of the transmitter upon interruption in the electricalcontact may allow a wireless communication link 421 a to be establishedwith the sensor hub 130 through an antenna 431. A display or indication422 of the detached sensor pod 120 a may provide an indication 422 bthat the detachable sensor pod 120 a has established a wirelesscommunication link 421 a with the sensor hub 130, as well as otherindications. For example, the detachable sensor pod display 422 b mayindicate when the detachable sensor pod 120 a is properly placed on thebody as described above. The indication 422 b may provide visualfeedback to the clinician placing the detachable sensor pod 120 a on thebody, facilitating proper placement.

A component block diagram of an example embodiment detachable sensor pod120 is shown in FIG. 4C. As described above, each detachable sensor pod120 may include an antenna 421, an indicator 422, and an electricalconnector 423. In addition, the detachable sensor pod 120 may include acontroller 425, which may be a processor that can be configured withprocessor-executable instructions for controlling the operations of thedetachable sensor pod 120 and the interoperation of the detachablesensor pod 120 with other system components, such as the sensor hub 130.The controller 425 may include a memory 425 a for storingprocessor-executable instructions for configuring the controller 425 andfor storing information, such as sensor data. The controller 425 may becoupled to a transceiver 426, which may operate primarily as atransmitter for transmitting sensor data to the sensor hub 130. Invarious embodiments, the transceiver 426 may be a transmitter, or may beconfigured only to transmit. In some embodiments, the transceiver 426may send data to and receive data from the sensor hub 130.

The detachable sensor pod 120 may further include a power element 427,such as a capacitor, battery, or energy harvesting device (e.g., aphotocell), or a combination of an energy harvesting device and astorage element that can be charged or recharged by harvested energy.

The detachable sensor pod 120 may further include a sensor element 428.The sensor element 428 may be configured to sense a single physical orphysiological parameter. Alternatively, the sensor element 428 may beconfigured to sense a variety of biomedical quantities. In anotherembodiment, the sensor element 428 may be configured as a sensor elementand an energy harvesting element. When configured as an energyharvesting element, the sensor element 428 may provide power that isstored in the power element 427. Alternatively, the power element 427,when configured for energy harvesting may, have a separate energyharvesting element (not shown) that takes advantage of one or a numberof energy harvesting quantities.

When the detachable sensor pod 120 is connected to the sensor hub 130,such as through the electrical connectors 423, sensor data from thesensor element 428 may be provided directly to the sensor hub 130through a sensor line 429. In this configuration, the detachable sensorpod 120 may act as a remote sensing unit for the sensor hub 130.Readings or sensor data from the sensor element 428 provided to thesensor hub 130 may be forwarded to a receiver over a wirelesscommunication link as previously described. Alternatively, the sensordata from the sensor element 428 may be provided to the controller 425and optionally stored in the memory 425 a. The controller 425 may sendthe sensor data to the sensor hub 130 in a communication to the sensorhub 130.

Because the integrated adhesive sensor array may be equipped with manydetachable sensor pods 120, communications between each detachablesensor pod 120 and the sensor hub 130 may be conducted according to acoordinated protocol to avoid communication interference. When thesensor data is provided directly to the sensor hub 130 the sensor hub130 may manage and coordinate acquisition of the sensor data from thedetachable sensor pods 120.

A component block diagram of an embodiment sensor hub 130 is shown inFIG. 4D. The sensor hub 130 may include an antenna 431, an indicator432, and electrical connectors 433 as previously described. The sensorhub electrical connectors 433 may be configured to connect to thedetachable sensor pods 120 through respective detachable sensor podelectrical connectors 423 as described above. The sensor hub electricalconnectors 433, when connected to the detachable sensor pod electricalconnectors 423, may provide a data connection and a power connection tothe detachable sensor pods 120, for example, through wiring associatedwith the sensor hub 130. For example, the sensor hub electricalconnectors 433 may be configured to receive real time sensor signals oroutput directly from the sensor elements 428 of the detachable sensorpods 120 when connected to the electrical connectors 423 of thedetachable sensor pods 120.

In addition, the sensor hub 130 may include a controller 435, which maybe a processor that may be configured with processor-executableinstructions for controlling the operations of the sensor hub 130 andthe interoperation of the sensor hub 130 with other system components,such as the detachable sensor pods 120. The controller 435 include amemory 435 a for storing processor-executable instructions for operatingthe controller 435 and for storing information, such as sensor datareceived from the detachable sensor pods 120. When the detachable sensorpods 120 are electrically connected to the sensor hub 130 through theelectrical connectors 433/423, the controller 435 may receive data fromthe respective controllers 425 over data lines 439.

The transfer of data from the controllers 425 of the detachable sensorpods 120 to the controller 435 of the sensor hub 130 may requirecoordination so that data transmission collisions do not occur. Suchcoordination may be accomplished through a networking protocol,multiplexing or other coordination mechanism well known in thecommunication arts. For example, a network protocol may involveassigning time intervals for each of the controllers 425 to transmitdata so that each of the detachable sensor pods 120 transmit the data tothe sensor hub 130 at different times. Multiplexing may further beaccomplished in hardware (not shown) associated with the sensor hub 130.In a hardware multiplexing scheme, the data from the controllers 425 maybe buffered in the controller 435 and accessed in sequence by thecontroller 435.

The controller 435 may be coupled to a radio module such as atransceiver 436. The transceiver 436 may operate as a receiver forreceiving data from the detachable sensor pods 120 when the detachablesensor pods 120 are not electrically connected to the sensor hub 130through the connectors 433/423. The transceiver 436 may further operateas a transmitter for transmitting the sensor data to the receiver 450.Thus, in some embodiments, the transceiver 436 may send data to andreceive data from the detachable sensor pods 120, the receiver 450, ordevices capable of receiving the sensor data. In another embodiment,more than one radio module 436 may be included in the sensor hub 130,such as a receiver (not shown) for receiving wireless signals fromdetachable sensor pods 120 and a transceiver 436 configured tocommunicate with (e.g., send sensor data to and received configurationin command signals from) a receiver 450. When the detachable sensor pods120 are disconnected from the sensor hub, the wireless transfer of datafrom the transceivers 426 of the detachable sensor pods 120 to thetransceiver 436 and the controller 435 of the sensor hub 130 may becoordinated to manage data transmission collisions multiple detachablesensor pods, such as assigning time intervals or frequency channels toeach detachable sensor pod 120 for transmitting sensor data, or otherwell known communication multiplexing techniques. To accomplish this,the controller 435 may be configured with processor-executableinstructions to implement a communication protocol and/or networkprotocol for managing communications with multiple detachable sensorpods 120.

The sensor hub 130 may include a power element 437, such as a batteryand/or an energy storage circuit (e.g., a capacitor or rechargeablebattery) coupled to an energy harvesting element 438 (e.g., aphotocell). The power element 437 may be of sufficient capacity to powerboth the components of the sensor hub 130 and of any of the detachablesensor pods 120 to which the sensor hub 130 is electrically attached.The energy harvesting element 438 may be specifically configured toharvest power from a physical or physiological parameter that is alsomeasured by a sensor. Alternatively, the energy harvesting element 438may include multiple energy harvesting elements configured to harvestenergy from a variety of energy sources (e.g., light, heat, movement,etc.). The energy harvesting element 438 may optionally be configured asa sensor element and an energy harvesting element to supplement sensingfrom the detachable sensor pods 120. The energy harvesting element 438may be any of a number of known energy harvesting devices or mechanismsthat can be used to convert one form of energy into electrical energythat may be stored in the power element 438 for powering the sensor hub130 and the attached detachable sensor pods 120. In various embodiments,the energy harvesting element 438 and the power element 437 may becombined in a single device or component. The energy harvesting element438 may also be used as a sensor.

An embodiment method 500 for placement and operation an integratedadhesive sensor array for sensing for measuring a variety of physical orphysiological parameters Q₁-Q_(n) is illustrated in FIG. 5. Theembodiment method 500 may be implemented in processor-executableinstructions executing on the processors or controllers of the sensorhub and detachable sensor pods, embodiments of which are describedabove.

The sensor may be placed on an appropriate portion of the body andactivated for measurement in block 501. The integrated adhesive sensorarray may be affixed to skin of the body using an adhesive backing thatat least partially covers a surface of the main sensor unit or patch. Insome embodiments, the sensor may be activated, at least in a placementmode, before placement do that a placement-related indication may beprovided to assist in proper placement on the body. Alternatively, theintegrated adhesive sensor array may be configured to be activated firstin a placement mode, and then in an operational or sensor mode.Activation may include removal of a cover film on an adhesive backing onthe main sensor unit or patch that functions to activate a powerelement. For example, one or more terminals of a battery for operatingthe sensor hub and detachable sensor pods may be covered by a removableinsulating layer that is removed along with a film covering the adhesivebacking, allowing the terminal to make contact with the sensor hubcircuits. Activation of the sensor hub may include a number ofinitialization operations in block 501 in which executable instructionsare loaded into controllers, initial values are set, and self checkoperations are performed.

In block 502, the sensor hub may initialize and establish acommunication link (i.e., pair) with a receiver that is withincommunication range of the sensor hub. Such pairing with the receiver inblock 502 may be accomplished according to known communicationprotocols, such as a Bluetooth protocol. For example, the sensor hub maymonitor for link availability advertisement transmissions from thereceiver. Provided that the receiver is recognized by the sensor hub,the sensor hub and the receiver may exchange pairing messages, such ashandshaking signals, authentication credentials and encryption keysenabling it to establish a secure communication link suitable fortransmitting patient medical data. Because the sensor data may besensitive or subject to regulations requiring protection of patientinformation, communications between the sensor hub and the receiver maybe encrypted, particularly in embodiments configured for use outside ofhospital facilities (e.g., by paramedics and first responders). Thecommunication link established between the receiver and the sensor hubmay be managed by an application executing on the receiver. In this way,the sensor hub may be identified to or recognized by the receiver in aregistration process that may be performed as part of the operations inblock 502. Alternatively, before activating for operation, the sensormay be activated and preconfigured or pre-paired with the receiver tosimplify paring for operation.

When the sensor hub is successfully paired with the receiver, anindication that a wireless communication link may be displayed on anindicator or display of the sensor hub in block 503. The indication maybe an audible or visual indication, or combination of audible and visualindications, and may include a change in color, a change in sound, analphanumerical display, and combinations thereof. The displayedindication may also change during a registration process, such as toindicate that pairing has begun, that a registration process is beingconducted, and finally that the communication link has been establishedand use of the sensors may begin.

When detachable sensor pods are positioned on the main sensor unit orpatch they may be coupled electrically to the sensor hub through wiredconnections to receive power and communicate data as described above.When the detachable sensor pods S₁-S_(n) are electrically connected tothe sensor hub, an association or communication link may establishedbetween the sensor hub and each of the detachable sensor pods S₁-S_(n)in block 504. This association may include initiating a network protocolto manage communications between the sensor hub and the detachablesensor pods to avoid message collisions, such as time-based orfrequency-based multiplexing, polling, or other coordination mechanism.

When the detachable sensor pods are successfully associated andcommunicating with the sensor hub, an indication of successfulassociation may be displayed on the displays or indications of one orboth of the sensor hub and the detachable sensor pod indicator in block505. As discussed above, this indication may be a visual indication, anaudible indication, or a combination of visual and audible indications.Visual indications may include a color change, an alphanumeric code ormessage, or other visual indication. The audible indication may be abeep, a tone, a vibration, or series of tones or vibrations or otheraudible or tactile indications.

While detachable sensor pods are in place on the main sensor unit orpatch in communicating with the sensor hub via electrical connections,the sensors in the detachable sensor pods may sense or measure theirrespective physical or physiological parameters. That is, when thesensor hub and detachable sensor pods have been activated, the sensorsmay begin sensing their respective physical or physiological parametersbefore the detachable sensor pods are removed from the patch and affixto other positions on the patient. Since the communication mechanismsused to send data to the sensor hub differs depending upon whether thedetachable sensor pods are deployed or in place on the main sensor unitor patch, the controller in each detachable sensor pod may determinewhether it is positioned on the patch and thus configured to sense inplace in determination block 506. When each detachable sensor podcontroller determines that it is still positioned on the patch and thussensing in place (i.e., determination block 506=“Yes”), the detachablesensor pods may begin taking sensor readings of their respectivephysical or physiological parameters (e.g., pulse, blood pressure, EKG,etc.) in block 507, and communicate their sensor data via electricalconnections to the sensor hub for a communication protocol in block 508.As discussed above, the sensor hub may establish a coordinatedcommunication scheme or communication protocol with the detachablesensor pods in order to facilitate the communication of data and avoidmessage collisions. Such a protocol may be a time- or frequency-basedmultiplexing communication scheme, a data polling scheme, or randomizeddata transmission scheme, to name but a few examples of knowncommunication protocols that may be implemented. For example, in a datapolling scheme, the sensor hub may periodically poll each detachablesensor pod in turn to request transmission of its sensor data.

When the controller on a detachable sensor pod determines that it is noton the main sensor unit patch, and thus is not sensing in place (i.e.,determination block 506=“No”), the detachable sensor pod may establish awireless communication link with the sensor hub in block 510. The actionof removing the detachable sensor pod from the connectors on the dockingarea may provide a signal or may otherwise create a condition thatactivates the transceiver on the removed detachable sensor pod.Activation of the detachable sensor pod transceiver may begin a wirelesslink negotiation process with the sensor hub, such as a Bluetoothpairing negotiation. As discussed above, an indication may be displayedon an indication of the removed detachable sensor pod when it issuccessfully paired with the sensor hub in block 511. Again, thisindication may be visual, audible, or a combination of visual andaudible.

As part of establishing a wireless communication link between the sensorhub and each removed detachable sensor pod, the sensor hub anddetachable sensor pod may implement a different communication protocol(e.g., a wireless communication protocol) then used for thesense-in-place detachable sensor pods. When the detachable sensor podsare removed from the main sensor unit or patch, coordination of thecommunications between the removed detachable sensor pods and the sensorhub, and the in-place detachable sensor pods and the sensor hub maybecome of particular concern. Because the detachable sensor pods areinitially connected directly to the sensor hub, the coordination ofcommunications between the detachable sensor pods and the sensor hub maybe established using a wired network protocols during this condition.That is, based on the initial direct connection to the sensor hub, thedetachable sensor pod may be provided with a clock or other timingsignal from the sensor hub as well as information regarding the properinterval or time slots during future which to report its sensor readingsto the sensor hub. Thus, when removed the detachable sensor pod maytransmit signals at pre-established times. The transmissions may be sentfrom the detachable sensor pod to the sensor hub with or withoutacknowledgement by the sensor hub. Because only some of the detachablesensor pods may be removed, a polling scheme may be used to simplify thecoordination between the sensor hub and the removed and in-placedetachable sensor pods. In such a scheme, the sensor hub may send asignal to the detachable sensor pod, either through the electricalconnection with the in place detachable sensor pods, or through awireless communication link to the detached detachable sensor pods,signaling for the polled detachable sensor pod to transmit its data. Ina scheduled polling communication protocol, the detachable sensor podmay be configured to respond to a polling signal within a certain timeto preserve the coordination. In an ad-hoc or unscheduled pollingconfiguration, the sensor hub may poll the next detachable sensor podonly after a transmission has been received from the currently polleddetachable sensor pod. Given the possibility of a timeout if thecurrently polled detachable sensor pod fails to respond at all within aprescribed time frame, the sensor hub may proceed if no response isreceived from the currently polled detachable sensor pod.

Detached sensor pods may be positioned or repositioned on the body at alocation for sensing its respective physical or physiological parameterin block 512. The location on the body on which each detachable sensorpod, when detached, is positioned may depend upon the physical orphysiological parameter that it measures. For example, a pulse sensingdetachable sensor pod may need to be positioned at a location where apulse can be observed, such as over a vein or in the vicinity of theheart.

As another example, an EKG detachable sensor pod may need to bepositioned at a particular location with respect to the patient's heartand chest in order to pick up particular electrophysiology signals. AnEKG sensing configuration may involve the placement of several “leads”that are used to sense specific electrophysiology signals associatedwith monitoring heart activity of a patient. The leads may include limbleads that connect to patient arms and legs, and detect inter-limbvoltages. The leads may further include precordial leads that may beconnected to the chest of the patient in proximity to the heart. Thecombination of signals from all of the detachable sensor pods, or leads,may result in an enhanced EKG reading compared to that which would bepossible if the detachable sensor pods remained in place.

To facilitate proper placement of detachable sensor pods by clinicians,the detachable sensor pods may be configured with a mechanism fordetermining whether a proper placement has been achieved. As discussedabove, such placement mechanisms may involve use of a body-coordinatesystem against that each detachable sensor pod can use to compare itslocation against a stored coordinate value. Another placement mechanismmay involve the sensor pod controller sampling sensor data as thedetachable sensor pod is applied to the patient and determining whetherthe target physical or physiological parameter can be sent. Thus, indetermination block 513, the controller of a detachable sensor pod maydetermine whether the detachable sensor pod has been successfully placedon the patient in an appropriate sensing location.

In various embodiments, one or more of the sensor hub, the receiver, ora medical system, may store information regarding the sufficiency ofsensor signals from the detachable sensor pods that constitute adequatereadings, optimum readings or other levels of sensor signal sufficiency.Alternatively, the sensor hub may simply provide the ability to detectwhen a certain level is achieved for reception of the sensor readingfrom the detachable sensor pod. For example, in order for the positionto be considered proper or “successful,” the sensor signal may need tobe at a threshold level or exhibiting a characteristic patternassociated with the desired physical or physiological parameter.

When the sensor pod controller determines that it has been properlypositioned on the body (i.e., determination block 513=“Yes”), anindication of successful placement may be displayed in block 514. Asdescribed above, such an indication may be visual, audible, or acombination of visual and audible indications. As long as thatindication of successful placement is not displayed (i.e., determinationblock 513=“No”), a clinician may continue to reposition the detachablesensor pod until a successful placement indication is displayed, such asthe sensor pod indication turning green. In an embodiment, an indicationmay be displayed to inform the clinician when the detachable sensor podis nearing an optimal position. That is, the indication could display agradient or relative degree of successful placement using color,intensity, or display element that changes incrementally as thedetachable sensor pod approaches or moves farther away from a“successful” placement. For example, the sensor pod indication may turnfrom red to yellow as the detachable sensor pod approaches anappropriate sensing position on the body. In this manner, feedbackprovided by the sensor pod indication may help the clinician recognizewhen the detachable sensor pod has been properly positioned.

When detachable sensor pod has been successfully placed on the body, thedetachable sensor pod's sensor begins sensing or measuring its physicalor physiological parameter in block 515. In block 516, the detachablesensor pod wirelessly communicate it sensor data to the sensor hub for acommunication protocol, such as Bluetooth. The sensing of physical orphysiological parameters and communication of sensor data to the sensorhub in blocks 515 and 516 may continue so long as the body monitoringcontinues and/or power is available to the detachable sensor pods.

The various embodiments may be implemented with a variety of differenttypes of receivers, such as a smart phone a mobile computing device.Typical smart phone mobile computing devices 600 will have in common thecomponents illustrated in FIG. 6. For example, a smart phone mobilecomputing device 600 may include a processor 601 coupled to internalmemories 604 and 606 for storing information. Internal memories 604 and606 may be volatile or non-volatile memories, and may also be secureand/or encrypted memories, or unsecure and/or unencrypted memories, orany combination thereof. The processor 601 may also be coupled to atouch screen display 612, such as a resistive-sensing touch screen,capacitive-sensing touch screen infrared sensing touch screen, or thelike. In some embodiments, the display of the mobile computing devices600 need not have touch screen capability.

A smart phone mobile computing device 600 may have one or more radiosignal transceivers 608 (e.g., Peanut®, Bluetooth®, Zigbee®, Wi-Fi, RFradio) and an antenna 610, or antenna module for coupling to an antennadevice, for sending and receiving radio signals. The radio signaltransceivers 608 may be coupled to each other and/or to the processor601. The mobile computing devices 600 may include a cellular networkwireless modem chip 616 that enables communication via a cellular datanetwork (e.g., CDMA, TDMA, GSM, PCS, 3G, 4G, LTE, or any other type ofcellular data network) and is coupled to the processor 601. The mobilecomputing devices 600 may include a peripheral device connectioninterface 618 coupled to the processor 601. The peripheral deviceconnection interface 618 may be singularly configured to accept one typeof connection, or multiply configured to accept various types ofphysical and communication connections, common or proprietary, such asUSB, FireWire, Thunderbolt, or PCIe. The peripheral device connectioninterface 618 may also be coupled to a similarly configured peripheraldevice connection port. A smart phone mobile computing device 600 mayalso include a speaker 614, or speakers, for providing audio outputs. Asmart phone mobile computing device 600 may also include a housing 620,constructed of a plastic, metal, or a combination of materials, forcontaining all or some of the components discussed herein. In someembodiments a physical antenna structure may be incorporated into thehousing 620 and coupled to the antenna module 610. A smart phone mobilecomputing device 600 may include a power source 622 coupled to theprocessor 601, such as a disposable or rechargeable battery. Therechargeable battery may also be coupled to the peripheral deviceconnection port to receive a charging current from a source external tothe mobile computing devices 600. A smart phone mobile computing device600 may also include a GPS receiver coupled to the processor 601 fordetermining locations of the device. A smart phone mobile computingdevice 600 may also include physical buttons 612 b for receiving userinputs.

The various embodiments described above may also be implemented withinand/or with a variety of computing devices for receiving sensor datafrom a sensor hub, such as a personal computer 700 illustrated in FIG.7. A personal computer 700 will typically include a processor 701coupled to volatile memory and a large capacity nonvolatile memory, suchas a flash memory device 702. The personal computer 700 may also includea floppy disc drive and a compact disc (CD) drive coupled to theprocessor 701. A personal computer 700 may also include a number ofnetwork transceivers or network connector ports 706 coupled to theprocessor 701 configured to enable the processor 702 to communicate withother computing devices one or more wired or wireless networks. As aparticular example, the network transceivers of a laptop computer 700may include Ethernet, USB or FireWire® connector sockets/transceivers,one or more wireless modem transceivers, such as Wi-Fi and/or cellulardata network transceivers, coupled to one or more antenna for sendingand receiving electromagnetic radiation. A personal computer 700 mayalso include other types of network connection circuits for coupling theprocessor 701 to a network that may be developed in the future. In anotebook configuration as shown in FIG. 7, the computer housing 705includes the touchpad 707, the keyboard 708, and the display 709 allcoupled to the processor 701. Other configurations of the computingdevice may include a computer mouse or trackball coupled to theprocessor (e.g., via a USB input) as are well known, which may also beused in conjunction with the various embodiments.

The processors 601, 701 may be any programmable microprocessor,microcomputer or multiple processor chip or chips that can be configuredby software instructions (applications) and transformed into a specialpurpose processor to perform a variety of functions, including thefunctions, procedures, algorithms or other processes of the variousembodiments described herein. In some mobile devices, multipleprocessors may be provided, such as one processor dedicated to wirelesscommunication functions and one processor dedicated to running otherapplications. Typically, software applications may be stored in theinternal memory 602, 702 before they are accessed and loaded into theprocessor 601, 701. The processor 601, 701 may include internal memorysufficient to store the application software instructions and otherinformation.

Those of skill in the art will appreciate that information and signalsmay be represented using any of a variety of different technologies andtechniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information,signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout theabove description may be represented by voltages, currents,electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields orparticles, or any combination thereof.

Further, those of skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoingmethod descriptions and the process flow diagrams are provided merely asillustrative examples and are not intended to require or imply that thesteps of the various embodiments must be performed in the orderpresented. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art the orderof steps in the foregoing embodiments may be performed in any order.Words such as “thereafter,” “then,” “next,” etc. are not intended tolimit the order of the steps; these words are simply used to guide thereader through the description of the methods. Further, any reference toclaim elements in the singular, for example, using the articles “a,”“an” or “the” is not to be construed as limiting the element to thesingular.

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, andalgorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosedherein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, orcombinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability ofhardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules,circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms oftheir functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented ashardware or software depends upon the particular application and designconstraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans mayimplement the described functionality in varying ways for eachparticular application, but such implementation decisions should not beinterpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the presentinvention.

The hardware used to implement the various illustrative logics, logicalblocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with theembodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with ageneral purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmablegate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate ortransistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combinationthereof designed to perform the functions described herein. Ageneral-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but, in thealternative, the processor may be any conventional processor,controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also beimplemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combinationof a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one ormore microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other suchconfiguration. Alternatively, some steps or methods may be performed bycircuitry that is specific to a given function.

The functions in the various embodiments may be implemented in hardware,software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented insoftware, the functions may be stored as one or moreprocessor-executable instructions or code on a non-transitorycomputer-readable medium or non-transitory processor-readable medium.The steps of a method or algorithm disclosed herein may be embodied in aprocessor-executable software module that may reside on a non-transitorycomputer-readable or processor-readable storage medium. Non-transitorycomputer-readable or processor-readable storage media may be any storagemedia that may be accessed by a computer or a processor. By way ofexample but not limitation, such non-transitory computer-readable orprocessor-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, FLASH memory,CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or othermagnetic storage devices, or any other medium that may be used to storedesired program code in the form of instructions or data structures andthat may be accessed by a computer. Disk and disc, as used herein,includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatiledisc (DVD), floppy disk, and blu-ray disc where disks usually reproducedata magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers.Combinations of the above are also included within the scope ofnon-transitory computer-readable and processor-readable media.Additionally, the operations of a method or algorithm may reside as oneor any combination or set of codes and/or instructions on anon-transitory processor-readable medium and/or computer-readablemedium, which may be incorporated into a computer program product.

The preceding description of the disclosed embodiments is provided toenable any person skilled in the art to make or use the presentinvention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readilyapparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles definedherein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from thescope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended tobe limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded thewidest scope consistent with the following claims and the principles andnovel features disclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. An integrated adhesive sensor array for measuringa physical or physiological parameter of a body, comprising: a patch; asensor hub coupled to the patch; and a detachable sensor pod detachablycoupled to the patch, wherein: the patch comprises: a flexible adhesivesubstrate configured to adhere the patch and sensor hub coupled to thepatch directly to the body; a flexible layer integrated with theflexible adhesive substrate, the flexible layer supporting the sensorhub and sensor hub wiring coupled to the sensor hub; and a docking areawhere the detachable sensor pod is detachably coupled, the docking areaincluding a connector coupled to the sensor hub wiring; the sensor hubcomprises: a wireless transceiver; a first energy storage element; and aprocessor coupled to the wireless transceiver, the sensor hub wiring,and the first energy storage element, wherein the processor isconfigured with processor-executable instructions to perform operationscomprising establishing a first wireless communication link with areceiver when the sensor hub is within range of the receiver; and thedetachable sensor pod comprises: a sensor; a second energy storageelement; and a transmitter coupled to the sensor, and the second energystorage element, wherein the detachable sensor pod is configured suchthat: the detachable sensor pod is coupled to and is powered by thesensor hub through a connection to the connector coupled to the sensorhub wiring on the patch when the detachable sensor pod is attached tothe docking area; the detachable sensor pod transmits sensor data to thesensor hub via a second wireless communication link established betweenthe transmitter of the detachable sensor pod and the sensor hub wirelesstransceiver when the of detachable sensor pod is detached from thedocking area.
 2. The integrated adhesive sensor array of claim 1,wherein: the sensor hub further comprises a first indicator coupled tothe processor; and the processor is configured with processor-executableinstructions to perform operations comprising providing a firstindication on the first indicator when the first wireless communicationlink is established with a receiver.
 3. The integrated adhesive sensorarray of claim 2, wherein the processor is configured withprocessor-executable instructions to perform operations furthercomprising providing a second indication on the first indicatorregarding proper placement of the detachable sensor pod on a body whenthe detachable sensor pod is detached from the docking area.
 4. Theintegrated adhesive sensor array of claim 3, wherein the first indicatoris configured to provide a first version of the second indication when aplacement criterion is satisfied and a second version of the secondindication when the placement criterion is not satisfied.
 5. Theintegrated adhesive sensor array of claim 4, wherein the first versionof the second indication is a green display and the second version ofthe second indication is a red display.
 6. The integrated adhesivesensor array of claim 1, wherein the docking area is disposed on aprotrusion of the flexible substrate and the flexible integrated layerconfigured to enable the integrated sensor array to be affixed to asurface having an irregular contour.
 7. The integrated adhesive sensorarray of claim 6, wherein the protrusion is further configured todistribute a force generated by removing the detachable sensor pod fromthe docking area in order to resist tearing.
 8. The integrated adhesivesensor array of claim 3, wherein the detachable sensor pod is configuredsuch that the second indication, which is provided on the firstindicator regarding proper placement of the detachable sensor pod on abody, is provided by comparing a signal from the sensor of thedetachable sensor pod to a threshold value of an acceptable sensorsignal and generating the second indication when the sensor signalsatisfies the threshold value based on the comparing.
 9. The integratedadhesive sensor array of claim 3, wherein the detachable sensor podfurther comprises a second indicator and the detachable sensor pod isconfigured to provide a third indication via the second indicatorregarding proper placement of the detachable sensor pod on a body by:determining a current location of the detachable sensor pod with respectto the body; comparing the current location of the detachable sensor podwith respect to the body to a proper placement location for thedetachable sensor pod; and providing the third indication via the secondindicator based on whether the current location of the detachable sensorpod compares favorably to the proper placement location for thedetachable sensor pod.